The Mad Men Secret

"It starts with wearing the right foundations that accentuate your curves," Bryant told us. "In those days, it was all about longline bras, girdles or garter belts, stockings, and slips. For modern women we do not wear the same foundations, but we can find modern shapewear that defines the body in the same way more comfortably."

In August last year, Bryant was made wardrobe advisor at shapewear brand Maidenform- consulting and offering her expert advice to the brand - a collaboration that came about through her work on Mad Men.

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"I've always had a passion for lingerie and shapewear," she explained. "During the second season of Mad Men, there was an episode that included a Maidenform advertising campaign. I was inspired to look at some of Maidenform's iconic ads for my book, The Fashion File. Upon our initial meeting, we had shared passions in everything intimate apparel and the rest is history. Whether you call it underpinnings, foundations, intimate apparel or lingerie, undergarments influence so much in fashion. They determine how you walk, stand, and the way your clothing looks."

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Bryant's costumes for the hit US series has turned her into a fashion heavyweight, with millions wanting to replicate the retro looks seen on lead characters Joan Holloway, Betty Draper and Peggy Olsen.

"There are so many influential women in the fashion industry, I'm certainly happy to be considered one of them," she said. "I've always had an affinity for film and fashion, and have looked up to greats like Adrian and Edith Head. It's great to follow my passion and have others share my interests."

Although Bryant refrains from naming the character whose style she likes the most ("It's like choosing a favourite child"), she doesn't mind revealing where she finds her vintage gems.

"I design pieces from scratch and rent from the amazing costume shops in Los Angeles," she told us. "I buy vintage and redesign vintage as well."